The challenge: A realistic live-firing exercise for naval forces
To deliver impact during frontline operations, you must have a sound knowledge of the ship and weapon systems you’re handling – and for this, realistic training and exercises are crucial.
Our customer wanted to stage an exercise for two frigates and a corvette, including the live firing of ship-based anti-air and anti-ship missiles. Torpedoes were also to be launched from an antisubmarine warfare helicopter. These missile weapon systems have very large danger areas, which demand a clear picture of the complete sea and air space to ensure safe firings. The customer also wanted a realistic exercise scenario with a surprise factor.
Since the exercise involved many firings during a short time, it meant the involvement and support of many people including, among others, a trial manager, test leader, sea and air units and drone operators.
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The solution: A comprehensive live firing exercise at Härnösand Naval Range
FMV Naval Test Range has a long experience of live firing with ship-based anti-ship missiles and guns. Together with the customer, a demanding exercise scenario consisting of both anti-ship missile firings and anti-air missile firings was developed.
For this exercise, high-performance target drones capable of flying in demanding scenarios were introduced at Härnösand Naval Range as targets for the ships’ air defence systems. We also developed a Radio Frequency (RF) emitter payload that simulated an airborne threat.
Together with this drone capability, the possibility to release torpedoes and present a surface target with a ship signature were deciding factors in the customer’s decision to choose Härnösand Naval Range.
The secluded location in the Bothnian Sea, with well-controlled sea and airspace, made it a perfect choice.
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The result: Crew and ship ready for future challenges
Exercising the routines and processes of navy personnel using different weapon systems not only provided a valuable boost in confidence regarding the crew’s capabilities, it also consolidated their knowledge and increased their familiarity with the equipment being used.
Using telemetry on the weapon systems and a scoring system on some of the targets, it was also possible to comprehensively validate the weapon’s performance at our FMV Härnösand Naval Range.
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Services delivered
- Restricted sea and airspace
- Instrumented naval range
- Command centre
- Aerial targets (BQM 167i, MQM 178)
- Static customised sea targets